August 16, 2012

How To Copyright Your Music

So a lot of clients ask us: "How do I copyright
my music, and how do I do it quickly?". Here are some helpful tips to
get your copyright going and returned to you as quickly as possible!1. Get copies of your final mixes! The US Copyright office accepts the following types of files:

For Microsoft Office files, please use version 2003 or earlier.For Microsoft Works files, please use version 9 or earlier.For Real Player files, please use version 6 or earlier.

2. Go to http://www.copyright.gov/forms/
-Fill out the Application and Pay the fee.
- The fee is only $35 if you do your application on-line and the processing is SO much faster! (See below)
3. Wait for the certificate to come. Honestly, this is the hardest
part about the whole process. Currently (as of July 2012) the 'Average
Processing Times' are 3 Months for e-filing, and 10 Months for Paper
Filing.
So now the real question… Why should I copyright my music? Unless you
want someone to steal your song, lyrics, and intellectual property for
their own monetary gain, copyrights are the way to go. They protect you
and your music / lyrics and help ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC get you your
royalties. Although it may not seem worth the wait, trust me, IT IS.
Be careful of other websites that claim they can do a copyright
faster.. make sure they are reputable and trustworthy. The only sure
way to make sure your work is safe is to file with the Library of
Congress / the Copyright.gov site. For further information, please
visit http://www.copyright.gov/forms/ or ask someone at JAMBOX for advice and support!
-Taylor

JAMBOX Entertainment & Recording Studios is a full-service audio, music & entertainment company based in the heart of New York City. We offer recording, mixing, mastering, complete songwriting and music production, voice-over business-audio services, and much more! Visit our web site: www.jamboxstudio.com